Rockwall Voices Op-Ed
It’s rare to see overwhelming bipartisan consensus on just about anything these days. That’s why new polling on hospital price transparency should catch the attention of Texas lawmakers.
A recent survey of 600 likely Texas voters, commissioned by American Resolve, found that 93% support greater hospital price transparency. The poll also found that nine in 10 respondents believe healthcare costs continue to rise, seven in 10 believe hospitals are failing to keep care affordable, and more than half reported receiving an unexpected or excessive medical bill within the past year.
Behind those numbers are real Texas families facing difficult financial decisions as healthcare costs continue to climb.
The issue has also drawn the attention of policymakers. The Texas House Select Committee on Healthcare Affordability recently held hearings on rising hospital costs, while members of Congress are considering legislation that would require nonprofit hospitals to disclose more information about financial assistance programs, charity care spending, and their use of the federal 340B drug pricing program.
Congress established the 340B program in 1992 with the goal of helping nonprofit hospitals stretch scarce resources and expand care for low-income and uninsured patients. Drug manufacturers provide eligible hospitals with significant discounts on prescription medications, with the expectation that those savings will benefit vulnerable communities.
Over the years, however, the program has grown dramatically. As hospital systems have consolidated and eligibility has expanded, critics have questioned whether the program continues to operate as Congress originally intended.
A 2018 House Energy & Commerce Committee staff report raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the program. Research published in Health Affairs has also examined hospital billing practices, while government reports have documented ongoing concerns about compliance with federal hospital price transparency requirements.
In my view, taxpayers and patients deserve greater transparency about how hospitals use the financial advantages they receive through the 340B program. Texans continue to face rising healthcare costs, and many families are left wondering whether these programs are delivering meaningful benefits to the patients they were designed to serve.
Hospitals that receive substantial tax advantages and participate in federal programs should be prepared to demonstrate the value they provide to their communities. Transparency should strengthen public trust, not weaken it.
Research published in Health Affairs has also highlighted the significant compensation earned by many nonprofit hospital executives. At the same time, nonprofit hospitals receive valuable tax exemptions funded by taxpayers. That combination makes public accountability all the more important.
The solutions are straightforward. Existing hospital price transparency laws should be enforced. Nonprofit hospitals should clearly demonstrate the community benefits they provide in exchange for their tax-exempt status. Policymakers should examine billing practices that place unnecessary burdens on patients and require greater public disclosure regarding executive compensation and charity care performance.
These proposals are not about punishing hospitals. They are about ensuring that programs created to help patients continue to fulfill that mission.
Powerful institutions should welcome accountability. Texas families deserve confidence that healthcare dollars are being used responsibly, that nonprofit hospitals are delivering meaningful public benefits, and that transparency is more than just a slogan.
The message from Texas voters is clear: they want greater transparency, stronger accountability, and a healthcare system that puts patients first. Lawmakers should listen.
About the Author:
West Cuthbert is Director of American Resolve and previously served as Associate Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where he helped oversee policy and operational initiatives across the department.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this Op-Ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of The Rockwall Times. We encourage a respectful exchange of perspectives to enrich our community dialogue.
